coolant leak from fitting? what is this fitting

Looks like a block heater. Replace the element and cord with new. Looks like the cord has seen better days and might short out if used anyway.

 

i would just remove it and block off. oil pan heater works best. run full syn oil and u wont need anything but good batteries

 

I agree. Whip right over @20 below and got heat quick too.

 

good coolant wont freeze. regular oil gets super thick. if sticking with regular oil. go with oil pan heater. the cold oil is what makes anything hard to start. i shut my truck off in milwaukee one night. had full syn oil and a bottle of anti gel in each tank. minus 25 wind chill. truck started with no problems.

 

I agree an oil heater will serve the same purpose. Oil is in the sump as is the heater and heat rises to keep the block warm. Same principle as coolant heater except the oil doesnt circulate through the block when stationary. It is not a worry that the coolant will freeze, its warming the coolant surrounding the liners. The whole reason an engine cranks slow is the contraction of the parts and tighter clearances. Most of this friction comes from the cylinders.

If I have my choice I still go coolant heater over oil for extreme temperatures.

 

you should do a cold start video